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Imperialism in India: Bad or Good?

Imperialism has been both positive and negative in the eyes of the Indians. It has helped them, but has also left them with no responsibility in their government.

The British called the empire the British Raj. The European colonizers provided many things and helped solve old problems. They brought parts of civilization that most Indians were not able to create by themselves. They built roads and other means of transportation as well as telegraphs. They have helped India become more modernized and built a government that is strong and efficient. “To sum up the whole, the British rule has been- morally, a great blessing; politically, peace and order..” (Dadabhai Naoroji). Imperialism has brought new standards of humanity, like when they stopped infanticide and the slave trade in India. It has also brought industrialization and improved sanitation. Imperialism has also affected the colonizers in a positive way. They get cheap raw materials and make a profit off of what they provide for the Indians. All of this they got from a system of mercantilism.

There were, however, a few negative effects of Imperialism. “All they do is live off of Indian while they are here. When they go, they carry all they have gained.” (Naoroji). Naoroji also adds that the natives call the system “the knife of sugar.” Another problem that arose was how the Europeans occupy all of the higher places in the government. “For a hundred years you have done everything for us. You have given us no responsibility in our own government.” (Mohandas Gandhi). Many of the old Indian industries were broken up, causing unemployment and poverty. Some also feel that they are treated as being inferior to the colonizers.